English Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion have become the latest side to initiate contact with Kenyan youthful right-back George Gitau with intentions of signing him in the ongoing transfer window, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The right-back is currently a free agent having left Middlesbrough, where he featured for their youth-level teams. He exited the latter on July 1st after the expiry of his contract following a four-year spell. He could now head back to the Championship should an agreement with West Brom be reached. The latter join Norwich in the race to lure the budding defender to their ranks.
An exclusive source close to Sporting Talent, the agency which represents the player’s business, has told Footy-Africa that West Brom have made inquiries with the camp and want to sign the player on a four-year employment contract.
“Initial discussions with West Brom were held on Friday, with the club showing genuine interest in George, he is open to exploring what they can offer. At this stage of his career, he wants to be at a club where he feels valued and where his qualities can make a real impact. There have been approaches from Norwich as well, and it will be up to him to make the final decision,” the source exclusively disclosed to Footy-Africa.
It should be recalled that Gitau joined Middlesbrough in 2020 and instantly established himself as a regular for the Under-18s in the 2020/21 season and featured in their Under-17s’ run to the Premier League Cup final.
After stepping up to the Under-21s in the 2022/23 season, the full back continued his run in the side, as he made 12 appearances in the 2023/24 season. He also made eight appearances with the club’s Under-23s in the PL2, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
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However, Gitau did spend part of 2024 on loan at Marske United in the Northern League Division One. After returning from loan, the versatile right sided player would finish the season strong, scoring four goals in just as many games. He has also played for Raith Rovers, as well as the academy side at Brighton.
Meanwhile, at the international level, Gitau has featured for the country with the Under-23 team in the 2024 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) tournament. He has, however, yet to receive a call with the senior team, The Harambee Stars.
